Global Sales Boost Caterpillar First Quarter Profits

Caterpillar Inc. parlayed an increased reliance on international markets to surprisingly strong sales and a 13 percent jump in first quarter profits. This impressed investors who expected the heavy equipment maker to be slowed more by the weak U.S. economy and dollar.The Peoria, Illinois based manufacturer's stock surged more than 8 percent in Friday trading. I was in Illinois some years ago, and they were having problems then. The caterpillar store in this area doesn't look so good. I don't see any inventory outside.